I spent most of yesterday at Random House and Harpercollins, meeting with publicists. These are the people that I usually only talk with on the phone, setting up events, so it was nice to see them in person. It’s good to touch base with them personally, letting them know how events have gone for the spring, and talking a little about what’s already booked for the fall (some amazing stuff!).

After grabbing some New York pizza, Megan and I went to a party celebrating Reading the World. It was at the German consulate (stunning views from 1st Avenue), and we chatted with other booksellers, especially some friends from Shaman Drum Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The big topic of discussion was works in translation, and how Reading the World is riding the crest of a wave (along with PEN), with promoting translated works to America. Someone from the German consulate made a joke that he thought leaders of state should be required to read at least twelve books a year, six of which were translated. That got a laugh, albeit a somewhat rueful one.

Afterwards, we headed off to Greenwich Village and A Kettle of Fish, to meet with more booksellers and friends from Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Picador and other publishers. It was . . . a long night. Morgan Entrekin from Grove/Atlantic showed up at some point, looking happy — you know it’s a good party when he makes an appearance. Somehow we got back to the hotel (who did pay for that cab?) — and slept off our excesses.